St. Bartholomew Parish

Sharing Christ's Loving Message of Salvation

A Note from Fr. Derek

A Note from Fr. Derek

“Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful, all who were in mourning; exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast.” It is with these words, paraphrased from the sixty-sixth chapter of the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, that the Church begins the Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Lent. These words are the words of the Introit or Entrance Antiphon for what we call Laetare Sunday, as the word “Rejoice,” above, is Laetare in Latin. The Fourth Sunday of Lent marks the mid-way point of the season of Lent, and so the Church calls her children to be mindful that we are at a turning point. We are now closer to the celebration of the Lord’s Passion, Death and Resurrection than we are to the beginning of this season, and this is cause for rejoicing. This is reflected with the option to use a lighter, more joyful colored rose vestment at Mass. Let us rejoice this day, for the day of our salvation is at hand!